"The writer catches the changes of his mind on the hop. Growth is exciting; growth is dynamic and alarming. Growth of the soul, growth of the mind"
About this Quote
Vita Sackville-West's quote poetically captures the characteristics of intellectual and spiritual development. The phrase "The author captures the changes of his mind on the hop" suggests an eager attentiveness to the variations in thought and feeling that characterize the writer's inner life. By "catching" these changes "on the hop", Sackville-West stimulates an image of dexterity and immediacy, implying that the author should be attuned and responsive to the swift-moving currents of their awareness. This shows the writer's role as both observer and individual, constantly engaging with the fluidity of their own psychological procedures.
The subsequent assertion that "Growth is amazing; development is vibrant and worrying" underscores the complex nature of advancement. Development, whether intellectual, psychological, or spiritual, is portrayed as a dynamic and transformative journey loaded with potential. The word "exciting" communicates a sense of adventure and possibility, highlighting the favorable aspects of accepting change and seeking new understanding. On the other hand, describing development as "vibrant" highlights its continuous motion and evolution, a process that is constantly in flux, challenging the fixed aspects of one's presence.
Nevertheless, Sackville-West does not avoid acknowledging the discomfort intrinsic in growth, identifying it "alarming". This term catches the worry and uncertainty that typically accompany self-questioning and modification, suggesting that the journey towards higher understanding and self-awareness is not without its obstacles. It suggests that development needs nerve, as it might lead one into unidentified or unforeseen territories of the mind and soul.
Lastly, by highlighting "growth of the soul, development of the mind", the quote defines a holistic vision of individual evolution. It indicates that true growth is not only an intellectual endeavor however a spiritual one too, requiring an unified development of both cognitive and emotional professors. Sackville-West's reflection therefore acts as a suggestion of the richness and intricacy intrinsic in the human experience of learning and progressing.
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